Where I'm From

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I am from stuffed animals, from Clairol hairspray and Cream horn doughnuts.

I am from a three-bedroom yellow and white block house on Bradford Street with dark, paneled walls in a living room and a canopy bed with a pink and white checkered bedspread with pink and purple mobiles floating around overhead.

I am from the fuchsia, pink, and white azaleas, the big oak tree in the back yard.

I am from Sundays on the farm in Brooker jumping hay bales with all the boys from the Douglas family.

I am from sitting in the Methodist Church on Sundays next to my Nana, taking in every dark spot on her wrinkled hands with veins popping like a full garden hose; eating Mentos.

From a small town where I was loved big by a community who knew my family name.

I’m from Starke, FL where my ancestors have been since the 1800’s (Florida territory) having served in in WWI and WWII.

I am from granny Strickland’s famous Mac-n-cheese and Nana’s famous Chicken & Rice, Chicken & Dumplings with chow chow.

I’m from my namesake Norma Gayle Rowe Genereux who was killed in her early 30’s in a car accident, leaving 3 babies and a husband behind.

From working so hard to keep up with the boys, be tough, and have a place to belong.

I am a lover of feminine beauty – white lace, soft, sultry, inviting, warmth and comfort paired with dark, cold colors – a contrast which is stunning.

From paradox. Contradiction. Holding tension and ambiguity that threatened me many days.

I am from teaching my younger brother and cousin for hours in my playhouse in the backyard for hours at a time, where apparently, they couldn’t get away.

I am from loving my family with great tenderness and commitment, regardless of the cost.

#gayleenglishcounseling #whoiam